Ellis belonged to a family "of great antiquity and good account", and finished his theological studies at the English College at Douay.
Joseph Harvey, to take possession of the newly founded English College of Lisbon.
There he pursued his theological studies under Thomas White (alias Blackloe), and by degrees became professor of philosophy and divinity, doctor in the latter faculty, and president of the college.
Some Jesuits and Franciscans were opposed to the reintroduction of a Catholic bishop in England.
Claudius Agretti, canon of Bruges and minister apostolic in Belgium, sent by Pope Clement IX on a mission to examine Catholic affairs in England in 1669, stated in his report that Ellis was anxious for the confirmation of the status of the chapter; and was willing that the Pope should create afresh a new dean and chapter.